Michael Stipe returns to stage for rare live performance

R.E.M. frontman opens for friend Patti Smith with set of cover songs

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Michael Stipe was the surprise opening act for Patti Smith’s gig at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on Tuesday night, marking one of the few times the R.E.M. frontman has returned to the live stage since the band’s breakup in 2011.

Stipe performed a set composed solely of covers, including Neil Young’s “Old Man”, The Velvet Underground’s “Venus in Furs”, John Lennon’s “Imagine”, and David Bowie’s “All the Young Dudes”.

Watch fan-shot video of Stipe’s “All the Young Dudes” cover here, and check out more clips below.

Setlist:
Old Man (Neil Young cover)
Venus in Furs (The Velvet Underground cover)
The Crying Game (Dave Berry cover)
People Are Strange (The Doors cover)
Imagine (John Lennon cover)
All the Young Dudes (David Bowie cover)